Michelle Rodriguez has made a name for herself in Hollywood and is considered a Latina pioneer in film. Her gritty and tough role as a boxer from Queens in Girlfight (2000), for example, broke stereotypes about how Latinas were portrayed on screen without being hypersexualized.
She continued that movement in roles like The Fast and the Furious, Resident Evil, and Avatar, never settling for parts like "the maid." And soon she will star opposite Richard Greer in Left Seat. Her career has spanned decades, and if you ask her where real longevity comes from, she’ll tell you it’s not from following the trends - it’s from love.
Rodriguez attended the 25th Anniversary Edition of the New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) on September 19th, where she received NYLFF’s Impact Award in recognition of her influential legacy and representation of Latinos in film. Ahead of the event, she spoke to ¡HOLA! on the red carpet, and when asked what piece of advice she would give to Latinas who want to crossover or go to Hollywood, she said, "In order to assimilate into a universal language, you have to start from a place of love."
She went on to advise that you stay authentically yourself. "You can’t start from a place of beauty, sexiness, trends, or 'what’s happening now.' You can’t just follow people, because those are trends and they die. And you’ll die with them, kind of like all the bands you no longer hear today that you did when you were a kid," she continued.
"If you don’t want to be that, then seriously hold on to your core and have heart about it. Follow your path of joy with unconditional love. The minute that love dies, your craft is going to die. Your work will dwindle. That’s the only piece of advice I’ve got. And you know where I get it from? Joseph Campbell, follow your joy," Rodriguez added.
She also discussed her next project, Left Seat, a survival thriller co-starring Gere. Rodriguez plays a pharmaceutical rep who suddenly finds herself at the controls of a small charter plane when the pilot collapses. A movie that unfolds almost entirely mid-air has Rodriguez up for the challenge.
“It’s scary and exciting at the same time because we’re on a plane the whole time,” she admitted. “I come from the action commercial movie realm. My entire career has been action — kick ass, take names. So for me to slow down and really go inside myself is very scary. I’m super stoked … I hope I still got it," Rodriguez continued.
25 years of New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF)
NYLFF is the nation’s premier Latino film festival. It took place from September 13-21, 2025, and screened 120 films from 15 countries. The week-long showcase of film, music, and culture champions Latino voices, showcasing the stories, struggles, and triumphs that reflect our communities.
“Marking 25 years of NYLFF is profoundly personal for me. This milestone celebrates the people, stories, and culture that have shaped who we are. Since the beginning, we’ve fought to create a space where Latino voices are seen, heard, and valued," said Calixto Chinchilla, Founder, New York Latino Film Festival. "It’s a testament to our community’s resilience, creativity, and power. This year’s lineup is our most ambitious yet—a love letter to the audiences, artists, and supporters who’ve stood with us every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to our corporate and studio partners whose belief in our mission has fueled our growth and impact."